Home > Careers > International Applicants > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

I wish to work in Canada but I do not have a professional licence. I am willing to work in any position in any department just so I can come to Canada. Can I work for Alberta Health Services?

Although opportunities do exist in Canada, Alberta Health Services is not recruiting internationally for unskilled foreign workers at this time. AHS may consider you for a position if you have the required qualifications and if you are approved to immigrate.

Some possibilities you might consider:

If you are a health care professional in your country, you could apply to the appropriate professional association for an Alberta licence. You could then apply as a skilled temporary foreign worker.

If your spouse has a Skilled Temporary Foreign Worker visa, you may be eligible for an Open Work Permit and could legally work in Canada.

For more information on these and other opportunities visit the following web sites:

If I receive my professional licence for Alberta, am I guaranteed a job?

No. Obtaining your professional licence for Alberta does not guarantee that you will get a job.

This is only the first step in the application and selection process. Because professional licensure is a requirement for all professional health care positions, we cannot even consider you for a position until you can show that you have or are eligible for your Alberta professional licence.

Will I have to write any exams to get my professional licence? What will happen if I do not pass?

All health care professions in Alberta are regulated by law and governed by a professional organization. Before issuing you with a professional licence, the professional organization will assess your education, work experience and knowledge, and compare these with Canadian standards. Passing a profession-specific exam is usually part of this evaluation process.

Visit the web site for your professional association to find out what the requirements are. See our Working at AHS section for Registered Nurses/ Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Allied Health Care Professionals.

If you are not able to pass the exam - within the allowed number of tries - you will not be eligible for your professional licence. You will not be able to practice your profession in Alberta. If you are already here, this may invalidate your work permit and you will have to return home.

Do I need a medical exam to get a work permit?

Any foreign worker who will be working in a health care setting is required to pass a medical examination before being issued with a work permit. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site for information about designated medical practitioners in your country who are authorized to conduct these medical examinations.

Will I have to return home when my work permit expires?

To keep working in Canada, your employer must confirm that your position can be extended. You are then able to apply to extend your work permit with the help of your employer.

The process must begin four to six months before your work permit expires.

If you wish to apply for permanent residency status, there are a number of programs available to you. Please visit the following web sites:

How long does the process take for me to get to Canada?

The time it takes to complete the entire professional, recruitment and immigration processes can vary considerably. Each professional licensure process has its own requirements, assessment procedures and timelines.

Recruitment activities and decisions add to the time. Be prepared for all the steps in the process to take at least 12 months.

Are you offering any incentives?

The details regarding any assistance available to you will be discussed with you at the time of your interview or job offer. Incentives may be offered for eligible positions throughout the province. Please discuss assistance with your assigned recruiter.

What will my salary be?

Refer to the employment information found under Working at AHS.

What kind of orientation can I expect?

All professionals receive a comprehensive orientation program which can be of varying lengths depending on the particular site where you will be working. As your new site and community welcome you, you will be introduced to colleagues and neighbours who will support and mentor you as you begin your new life in Canada.

Will I be covered for health care?

Yes, your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage for you and for your family begins soon after you arrive in Alberta for your new job. Be sure to discuss these and other benefits that are available to you. The premiums for benefits are shared between the employer and the employee.

What taxes will I have to pay in Canada?

Income tax is mandatory and is deducted each pay period according to the tax rate assessed on your gross earnings. Both federal and provincial governments are included in the tax deducted. The tax year is from January 1 to December 31, you must complete and file your personal income tax return by April 30 of each year.

Detailed information on Canadian Individual Income Tax and tax rates is available through Canada Revenue Agency.

Can I drive in Canada?

If you arrive in Canada with an international driver's licence you may be permitted to drive for a limited time. You must check with an Alberta registry agent to find out when and how to obtain an Alberta driver's licence. You will need to pass both a written test and a driving test.

How do I find out about the community where I will be living?

There are many web sites about living in Alberta and in Canada but you can begin your search here: Living in Alberta.

Do you provide uniforms?

In general our hospitals do not provide uniforms for staff. However, there may be some very specific situations (e.g. operating rooms) in which uniforms are provided.

There is a dress code for employees at your site that describes what types of clothing are acceptable. Discuss the dress code with your manager or Human Resources contact.

Can I change employers after I come to Canada?

Your work permit is issued to you for a specific job with a specific employer for a limited time. The only way to change employers is by having your new employer provide you with a job offer and a positive LMO. You will then need to apply for a new work permit.